The Book That Changed Me: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

My favourite book of 2024, and quite possibly my entire life.

Some books don’t just tell a story—they change you. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is one of those books for me. It’s raw, unflinching, and deeply emotional, peeling back the layers of human pain, love, and resilience in a way that left me utterly shattered and profoundly moved.

A Little Life is a powerful and emotional story about friendship, trauma, and love. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it, leaving a deep impact on your heart.

The story follows four college friends—Jude, Willem, Malcolm, and JB—as they build their lives in New York City.

At its heart is Jude, a character so intricately crafted that his struggles and triumphs feel heartbreakingly real. His story challenged me to confront the fragility and strength of people in ways I’d never considered before. His story is so raw and heart-breaking that you can't help but feel his pain. One of the most powerful aspects of the novel is the relationship between Jude and Willem. Their bond is a testament to the transformative power of unconditional love and acceptance. Willem’s unwavering support for Jude, despite the latter’s deep-seated pain and inability to fully trust, is both heart-warming and heart-breaking. It’s a relationship that redefines the boundaries of love and friendship, showing that true intimacy isn’t confined to romantic or sexual relationships but is found in the willingness to bear each other’s burdens. For many gay men, their story has become a beacon of hope and representation, illustrating a love that transcends labels and societal expectations. It’s a narrative that has inspired countless readers to embrace their identities and seek connections that honour their truths.

Yanagihara’s writing is both beautiful and mournful. She captures the warmth of friendship and the harsh realities of trauma with honesty and care. The book is long and intense, at over 700 pages long, it definitely takes a toll on you emotionally. This book doesn’t shy away from the darkest corners of life. It’s a deep dive into trauma, friendship, and the complexities of the human condition.

What sets A Little Life apart is its ability to create deep empathy. It explores the darkest parts of human experience while also showing the strength of kindness and resilience. The bond between Jude and Willem, in particular, feels incredibly real and touching.

This is not a story with easy answers or happy endings which shocked me, as I was expecting the predictable happily ever after ending. It delves into mental health, abuse, and lasting scars, which can be overwhelming for some readers. Yet, it’s also a testament to the power of storytelling to confront difficult truths.

A Little Life is a heart-breaking and unforgettable book, it has stayed with me long after I finished it. I have never mourned fictional characters the way I did in this book. A story about the fragility and strength of the human spirit, offering an emotional journey that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Reading A Little Life changed how I perceive the world. It made me more empathetic, more aware of the invisible battles others might be fighting, and more grateful for the love and support in my own life. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one—a reminder of the depths of human endurance and the transformative power of connection.

If you’re ready for a book that will break you and piece you back together in unexpected ways, this is it. Just make sure you have tissues—lots of them.